Lady Bulldogs hold off late surge by Lynn Camp
Burgin ends 7-game skid
Burgin freshman Kaiden Lewis (middle) fights for the ball against Lynn Camp on Monday, Feb. 3. The Lady Bulldogs defeated the Lady Wildcats 44-37. Lewis had a game high four steals. (photo by Arpan Dixit)
Arpan Dixit
Herald Staff
sports@harrodsburgherald.com
The Burgin Lady Bulldogs (5-12) had been struggling to get a win in 2020, falling in their last seven matchups, but that skid ended in a 44-37 victory over the Lynn Camp Lady Wildcats (2-20) on Monday, Feb. 3.
Sophomore Grace Cocanougher led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring with eight points to go along with four rebounds and two assists.
“We’ve inserted seventh grader Gabby Thompson into our starting lineup and that has made a big difference,” said Head Coach Keith Monson. “We’ve really been working on taking care of the ball and avoid careless turnovers. When the game got tight late, we were able to execute and take care of the ball in crucial possessions.”
Thompson finished the game with five points and two steals.
The Lady Bulldogs led 9-7 after the first quarter, with four players scoring two points each.
Eighth grader Avery Gray found freshman Kaiden Lewis for two points early in the second quarter and a triple by junior Hannah Stewart gave the Lady Bulldogs a 17-13 and forced a Lynn Camp timeout with four minutes left in the first half.
Burgin took a 23-16 lead into the locker room led by Cocanougher and Stewart with five points each.
Sophomore Ellie Jenkins got an offensive rebound and found Cocanougher down low for two points right before the first half came to a conclusion. Jenkins finished with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
“I was pleased because they were putting full-court pressure on us and we were able to limit our turnovers,” said Monson. “The fact that we started the game with a lead and never gave it up says a lot about this team.”
The Lady Willdcats cut the lead down to six points with two minutes to play, but the Lady Bulldogs were able to hit their free throws and obtain crucial rebounds to secure their first win of the new year.
Freshman Kaiden Lewis was all over the court, leading Burgin in steals with four.
“She’s got so much speed and desire. When we get her to keep her head up while possessing the ball, good things happen for her,” said Monson.
Burgin will travel to Lynn Camp on Wednesday Feb. 12, and Monson talked about what his team will have to improve on to steal a win on the road.
“We really need to block out a little better,” said Monson. “We need to stay out of foul trouble with our centers and keep them on the floor.”
Lynn Camp out rebounded Burgin by 10 but had trouble converting on those second chance points.
Burgin will be back on the court on Friday, Feb. 7, when they travel to take on Model at 7:30 p.m.
STATS:
Points – Cocanougher 8, Jenkins 7, Lewis 6, Stewart 5, Simpson 5, Thompson 5, Turner 4, Gray 4.
Rebounds – Cocanougher 4, Simpson 4, Gray 4, Thompson 4, Stewart 2, Lewis 1, Jenkins 1, Turner 1.
Assists – Jenkins 3, Cocanougher 2, Gray 1, Thompson 1.
Burgin freshman Baleigh Turner elevates for a jump shot against Lynn Camp on Monday, Feb. 3. The Lady Bulldogs won the game 44-37 and Turner had 4 points. (photo by Arpan Dixit)
Burgin sophomore Ellie Jenkins grabs the rebounds and heads up the floor for a fast break opportunity against Lynn Camp on Monday, Feb. 3. Jenkins had 7 points in Burgin’s victory. (photo by Arpan Dixit)
